Quick grip pocket hole jig system and method

ABSTRACT

A quick grip pocket hole jig system is presented having a support section having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop. A clamping assembly is connected to the support section having a clamping rod that extends through the clamp support. A drill guide carrier having a drill guide assembly is connected to the clamping rod on a forward side of the clamp support. A clamp body having a trigger and a release mechanism is connected to the clamping rod on a rearward side of the clamp support. The clamp body is a quick grip clamp body that facilitates quick gripping of a workpiece positioned within the support section. The clamping assembly includes a return spring and a release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the drill guide carrier and the drill guide assembly are automatically moved to a non-clamping position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/797,492 which was filed Jan. 28, 2019, the entirety of which isincorporated herein fully by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to jig systems for holding workpieces.More specifically and with out limitation, this disclosure relatesgenerally to an improved drilling jig systems that facilitate fasterand/or easier clamping of workpieces.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Pocket hole wood joinery involves joining boards by inserting a fastenerat an angle through the edge of one workpiece into an adjoiningworkpiece, thereby joining the two workpieces together. Such joints arecommonly used for face frames, cabinet boxes, leg-to-rail joinery inchairs and tables, and so forth. Drill guides or jigs are used to drillthe holes through which the fasteners or pocket screws are inserted intothe adjoining workpiece.

To facilitate the formation of pocket hole joinery, Applicant, Kreg ToolCompany offers a line of pocket hole jigs. These pocket hole jigs areconfigured to clamp a workpiece in place and help guide a stepped drillbit at an angle into a workpiece thereby forming a pocket hole in theworkpiece. The pocket hole formed by this process is configured toreceive a screw that is used to screw two workpieces together.

Existing jigs for use forming pocket hole joinery have a variety ofconfigurations and operate in a variety of manners. All of theseconfigurations and manners of operation leave much to be desired. Inaddition, all of the existing pocket hole jigs available havedeficiencies and therefore are not well suited for various applications.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the disclosure, there is a need in the art for quick grippocket hole jig system that improves upon the state of the art.

Thus it is an object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that improves upon the stateof the art.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is easy to use.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is efficient.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that can be used with anytype of workpiece.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is cost effective.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that forms accurate pocketholes.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is safe to use.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that has a durable design.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that has a long useful life.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that provides additionalfunctionality for pocket hole jigs and pocket hole joinery.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that has a wide variety ofuses.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that has a wide variety ofapplications.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that provides cost savingsto a user.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is relativelyinexpensive.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that provides value.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that prevents or reducesrelative movement between the pocket hole jig and the workpiece.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that reduces the amount ofclamping pressure required to adequately clamp a pocket hole jig to aworkpiece.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates theformation of aesthetically pleasing finished products.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that provides a quick gripclamping mechanism.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates easierclamping.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates angularrotation of a clamping mechanism.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates easyrelease of the clamping mechanism.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates easy returnof the clamping mechanism to a non-clamping position.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that limits the stroke ofthe clamping motion for repeat clamping of workpieces of similarthickness.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates stableplacement when used horizontally.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that that facilitates stableplacement when used vertically.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates easyremoval of chips and debris during use.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is comfortable to use.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is more stable thanother pocket hole jigs.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates automaticreturn of the clamping assembly to a non-clamping position.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates springloaded return of the clamping assembly to a non-clamping position.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that improves the ergonomicsof use.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that easily adjusts toworkpieces of various thickness.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that automatically adjuststo workpieces of various thickness.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that is infinitelyadjustable for workpieces of various thickness.

Another object of at least one embodiment of the disclosure is toprovide a quick grip pocket hole jig system that facilitates the easysetting of the position of a drill guide assembly.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of at least oneembodiment will become apparent from the specification, figures andclaims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A quick grip pocket hole jig system is presented having a supportsection having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop. A clampingassembly is connected to the support section having a clamping rod thatextends through the clamp support. A drill guide carrier having a drillguide assembly is connected to the clamping rod on a forward side of theclamp support. A clamp body having a trigger and a release mechanism isconnected to the clamping rod on a rearward side of the clamp support.The clamp body is a quick grip clamp body that facilitates quickgripping of a workpiece positioned within the support section. Theclamping assembly includes a return spring and a release mechanism suchthat when the release mechanism is actuated the drill guide carrier andthe drill guide assembly are automatically moved to a non-clampingposition. A stroke limiter is connected to the clamping rod and limitsthe distance that the clamping rod will move so as to facilitate fasterand easier repeat clamping of workpieces of similar size. The clampingassembly facilitates angular rotation of the clamp body around an axisthat extends through the center of the clamping rod. The support sectionfacilitates stable placement in horizontal use and vertical use. In thisway an improved pocket hole jig is presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system; the view showing the jig system having a supportsection having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop; the viewshowing the jig system having a clamp assembly having a clamping rod, aclamp body having a handle assembly and a trigger therein; the viewshowing the jig system having a drill guide carrier connected to theforward end of the clamping rod; the view showing the drill guidecarrier receiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; theview showing the jig system having a stroke limiter positioned along theclamping rod; the view showing the jig system having a releasemechanism; the view showing the jig system in a vertical orientationresting upon the forward side of the back stop;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation cut-away section view of the quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 1; the view showing the internalcomponents of the clamp assembly; the view showing the movementmechanism positioned around the clamping rod and engaged by the upperend of the trigger; the view showing a plurality of springs positionedaround the clamping rod; the view showing the stroke limiter having stopcollar placed around the clamping rod and held within the void in theupper end of the clamp support and having a locking mechanism connectedthereto;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angled relative tothe support section;

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angledrelative to the support section; the view showing slots in the end stopto allow woodchips to pass through the end stop;

FIG. 6 is another side elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angledrelative to the support section;

FIG. 7 is a top elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angled relative tothe support section;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angledrelative to the support section;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1; the view showing the handle assembly angled relative tothe support section;

FIG. 10 is a close-up side perspective cut-away section view of thequick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 1; the view showing theinternal components of the clamp assembly; the view showing the movementmechanism positioned around the clamping rod and engaged by the upperend of the trigger; the view showing a plurality of springs positionedaround the clamping rod; the view showing the stroke limiter having stopcollar placed around the clamping rod and held within the void in theupper end of the clamp support and having a locking mechanism connectedthereto; the view showing the attachment mechanism of the clamp supporthaving a first collar and a second collar, the second collar having aplurality of lock features therein which is engaged by the attachmentmechanism at the forward end of the clamp assembly;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the support section shown in FIG. 1having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop; the view showingthe attachment mechanism of the clamp support having a first collar anda second collar, the second collar having a plurality of lock featurestherein;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the support section shown in FIG. 1having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop;

FIG. 13 is a bottom elevation view of the support section shown in FIG.1 having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop; the view showingslots in the end stop to allow woodchips to pass through the end stop;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the support section shown in FIG. 1having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop;

FIG. 15 is a top elevation view of the support section shown in FIG. 1having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1; the viewshowing the drill guide carrier having a pair of lock mechanisms thathave a lock feature that engage lock features in the drill guideassembly; the view showing the drill guide assembly having three drillguides that exit a forward side of the drill guide assembly;

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the drill guide carrier havingthe drill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a bottom elevation view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1; the viewshowing the drill guide assembly having exit holes in the bottom side ofthe drill guide assembly that connect to bores in the drill guides inthe drill guide assembly;

FIG. 19 is a top elevation view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevation view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the drill guide carrier having thedrill guide assembly held therein as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the drill guide assembly shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the drill guide assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the drill guide assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a bottom elevation view of the drill guide assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the drill guide carrier as is shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the drill guide carrier as isshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 29 is a top elevation view of the drill guide carrier as is shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 30 is a bottom elevation view of the drill guide carrier as isshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 31 is a rear elevation view of the drill guide carrier as is shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 32 is a front elevation view of the drill guide carrier as is shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of the drill guide carrier as is shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 34 is a perspective exploded view of the drill guide carrier anddrill guide assembly as is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1; the view showing a thin workpiece clamped between thebackstop and the combined drill guide carrier and drill guide assembly;the view showing the jig system in a vertical orientation resting uponthe forward side of the back stop;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the quick grip pocket holejig system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 37 is another close-up side perspective cut-away section view ofthe quick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 1; the view beingsimilar to FIG. 10;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1; the view showing a thin workpiece clamped between thebackstop and the combined drill guide carrier and drill guide assembly;the view showing the jig system in a horizontal orientation resting uponthe work surface with the bottom side of the end stop of the supportsection engaging the work surface; the view showing the handle assemblyat an angle and the lower end of the handle assembly engaging the worksurface thereby providing two points of contact for increased stability;

FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 1; the view showing a thin workpiece clampedbetween the backstop and the combined drill guide carrier and drillguide assembly; the view showing the jig system in a horizontalorientation resting upon the work surface with the bottom side of theend stop of the support section engaging the work surface; the viewshowing the handle assembly at an angle and the lower end of the handleassembly engaging the work surface thereby providing two points ofcontact for increased stability;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jig systemshown in FIG. 1 supported on a work surface; the view showing thebackstop removed and the work surface used as the back stop with the jigsystem connected to the work surface in a vertical arrangement; the viewshowing a vacuum attachment connected to the end stop to facilitateremoval of woodchips and debris generated during drilling;

FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem shown in FIG. 40 supported on a work surface; the view showingthe backstop removed and the work surface used as the back stop with thejig system connected to the work surface in a vertical arrangement; theview showing a vacuum attachment connected to the end stop to facilitateremoval of woodchips and debris generated during drilling;

FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system; the view showing the jig system having a supportsection having a clamp support, an end stop and a back stop; the viewshowing the jig system having a clamp assembly having a clamping rod, aclamp body having a handle assembly and a trigger therein; the viewshowing the jig system having a drill guide carrier connected to theforward end of the clamping rod; the view showing the drill guidecarrier receiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; theview showing the jig system having a stroke limiter positioned along theclamping rod; the view showing the jig system having a releasemechanism; the view showing the jig system in a horizontal orientationresting upon the bottom side of the end stop;

FIG. 43 is another side elevation view of a second arrangement of aquick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is rear elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is front elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 is top elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 47 is bottom elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 49 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 50 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 51 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 52 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 53 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 54 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 55 is another perspective view of a second arrangement of a quickgrip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 56 is front elevation view of the support section of a secondarrangement of a quick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; theview showing the support section having an attachment mechanism having aplurality of lock features therein that facilitate indexing of theangular orientation of the handle assembly relative to the supportsection;

FIG. 57 is a side elevation cut-away section view of a secondarrangement of a quick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; theview showing the internal components of the clamp assembly; the viewshowing the movement mechanism positioned around the clamping rod andengaged by the upper end of the trigger; the view showing a plurality ofsprings positioned around the clamping rod; the view showing the strokelimiter having stop collar placed around the clamping rod and heldwithin the void in the clamp assembly between opposing stops and havinga locking mechanism connected thereto that extends out of the uppersurface of the clamp assembly;

FIG. 58 is a close-up side elevation cut-away section view of a secondarrangement of a quick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is an exploded perspective view of the second arrangement of aquick grip pocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the drill guide assembly as is shown inFIG. 42;

FIG. 61 is another perspective view of the drill guide assembly as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 62 is another perspective view of the drill guide assembly as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 63 is another perspective view of the drill guide assembly as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the drill guide carrier as is shown inFIG. 42;

FIG. 65 is another perspective view of the drill guide carrier as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 66 is another perspective view of the drill guide carrier as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 67 is another perspective view of the drill guide carrier as isshown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the drill guide carrier and drill guideassembly shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the drill guide carrierreceiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; the viewshowing the drill guide assembly in a fully lowered position relative tothe drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thinnest workpiecethickness, which in the case shown is ½ inch;

FIG. 69 is a front elevation view of the drill guide carrier and drillguide assembly shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the drill guidecarrier receiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; theview showing the drill guide assembly in a fully lowered positionrelative to the drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thinnestworkpiece thickness, which in the case shown is ½ inch; the view showingthe exit holes in the drill guide assembly overlapping with the lowerportion of the lower set of exit holes in the drill guide carrier;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the drill guide carrier and drill guideassembly shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the drill guide carrierreceiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; the viewshowing the drill guide assembly in a fully raised position relative tothe drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thickest workpiecethickness, which in the case shown is 1½ inch;

FIG. 71 is a front elevation view of the drill guide carrier and drillguide assembly shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the drill guidecarrier receiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; theview showing the drill guide assembly in a fully raised positionrelative to the drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thickestworkpiece thickness, which in the case shown is 1½ inch; the viewshowing the exit holes in the drill guide assembly overlapping with theupper set of exit holes in the drill guide carrier;

FIG. 72 is a side elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the jig systemclamping a thick workpiece; the view showing the drill guide carrierreceiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; the viewshowing the drill guide assembly in a fully raised position relative tothe drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thickest workpiecethickness, which in the case shown is 1½ inch;

FIG. 73 is a side elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the jig systemclamping a thin workpiece; the view showing the drill guide carrierreceiving a drill guide assembly in an adjustable manner; the viewshowing the drill guide assembly in a fully lowered position relative tothe drill guide assembly which corresponds to the thinnest workpiecethickness, which in the case shown is ½ inch;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the jig systemused in association with a docking station;

FIG. 75 is a side elevation view of a second arrangement of a quick grippocket hole jig system shown in FIG. 42; the view showing the jig systemclamped to a work surface using a clamp in a clamp recess of the supportsection thereby holding the jig system in place during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in whichis shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which thedisclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the disclosure is defined only by theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the viewspresented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are usedonly for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used aslimitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination ofobjects may change without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In addition, it is to be noted, that while the views shown, anddisclosure discusses, a pocket hole jig, it is to be understood that useof the improvements disclosed in association with a pocket hole jig isonly one of countless examples of use and is not meant to be limiting.Instead, the concepts presented herein are contemplated to be used withany woodworking device and/or any mechanical arrangement and is notmeant to be limited to pocket hole jigs.

System 10:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 (or simply “system 10”) is presented. In the arrangementshown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 has aforward end 12, a rearward end 14, a top side 16, a bottom side 18, aleft side 20 and a right side 22.

Quick grip pocket hold jig system 10 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured facilitate quick and easy and secureclamping of workpieces 24 of various thickness as well as various sizesand shapes. In one arrangement, as is shown, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes a support section 26 having a clamp support 28, anend stop 30 and a back stop 32 connected by bolts 34 and nuts 36 amongother parts, components, and feature as are described herein. In onearrangement, as is shown, quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 includesa clamp assembly 38 having a clamping rod 40, a clamp body 42 having atrigger 44, a drill guide carrier 46 and a drill guide assembly 48 amongother parts, components, and features as are described herein.

Workpiece 24:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 is used to form pocket holes in a workpiece 24. Workpiece 24may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangementshown, as one example, workpiece 24 is a generally planar shaped pieceof material that may be formed of wood, plywood, composite wood,plastic, MFD (medium density fiberboard) or any other material. To beclear, any other non-wood material is hereby contemplated for use asworkpiece 24. Workpiece 24 may be a solid piece of wood, or it may be acomposite piece of wood or other material. Workpiece 24 may be a largeplanar member, such as a four-by-eight sheet of plywood, or it may be anarrow and/or small member such as a piece of face-frame, or workpiece24 may be anything in-between. Work piece 24 may be thick, such as oneand a half inches thick, such as a two-by-four, or thicker, or it may beas narrow as half an inch, or thinner. Essentially workpiece 24 may beformed of any size, shape and design and configuration and material.

Support Section 26:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes a support section 26. Support section 26 may beformed of any size, shape and design and is configured to receive andhold workpiece 24 therein as well as facilitate attachment of clampassembly 38 thereto as well as facilitate clamping of workpiece 24. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, support section 26 includes aclamp support 28, an end stop 30 and a back stop 32 that are connectedto one another by bolts 34 and nuts 36, however any other arrangementand configuration is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangementshown, as one example, when viewed from a side 20, 22, support section26 is generally C-shaped or U-shaped and forms a generally square orrectangular hollow interior 50 that is configured to receive workpiece24 as well as drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 as wellas a portion of clamping rod 40.

Clamp Support 28:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, support section 26 includes aclamp support 28. Clamp support 28 may be formed of any suitable sizeshape and design and is configured enclose a rearward end 14 of thehollow interior 50 of the support section 26 as well as facilitateattachment of the clamp assembly 38 to the support section 26, amongother features, purposes and advantages. In the arrangement shown, asone example, when viewed from a side 20, 22, clamp support 28 has agenerally flat forward wall 52 and a generally flat rearward wall 54that extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from a side 20, 22,clamp support 28 includes opposing sidewalls 56 that extend from a lowerend 58 to an upper end 60. In the arrangement shown, as one example,sidewalls 56 angle slightly inward toward one another as they extendupward from lower end 58 to upper end 60 such that the upper end 60 ofclamp support 28 is narrower than the lower end 58. However any otherconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use.

In one arrangement, clamp support 28 is a generally solid member. In analternative arrangement, as one example, as is shown, clamp support 28includes a plurality of structural members 62 that extend across theclamp support 28, or said another way, this configuration isskeletonized. These structural members 62 reduce the amount of materialthat clamp support 28 is made of while maximizing the strength andrigidity of the clamp support 28.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, clamp support 28 connectsadjacent its lower end 58 to end stop 30. In the arrangement shown, asone example, clamp support 28 extends in approximate parallel spacedrelation to the back stop 32. In the arrangement shown, as one example,clamp support 28 extends in approximate perpendicular relation to endstop 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a through hole 64 ispositioned adjacent the upper end 60 of clamp support 28 and extendsthrough clamp support 28. Through hole 64 is configured to receiveclamping rod 40 therein and allow clamping rod 40 to pass there through.In the arrangement shown, as one example, an attachment mechanism 66 iscentered on through hole 64 and extends rearward from the rearward sideof clamp support 28. Attachment mechanism 66 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to facilitate connection ofclamp body 42 to support section 26 while allowing for angular rotationof clamp body 42 with respect to support section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, attachment mechanism 66includes a first collar 68 that extends rearward a distance fromrearward side 54 of clamp support 28. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, attachment mechanism 66 includes a second collar 70 thatextends a distance from the rearward side of first collar 68. In thearrangement shown, as one example, first collar 68 and second collar 70have a generally cylindrical exterior peripheral edge that is centeredon the generally cylindrical through hole 64 with the first collar 68having a smaller diameter than the second collar 68, which has a largerdiameter.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, second collar 70 is generallycircular and/or cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality of lockfeatures 72 that are positioned around its exterior circumference. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, lock features 72 of second collar70 are a plurality of notches or grooves the extend inward towardthrough hole 64 a distance, however protrusions are also herebycontemplated for use. Attachment mechanism 66 facilitates attachment ofclamp assembly 38 to support section 26 as well as indexing of clampbody 42 to support section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example a stroke limiter 74 ispositioned in upper end 60 of clamp support 28. Stroke limiter 74 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to limitthe stroke of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 whenthe clamping assembly 38 is released. Or, said another way, strokelimiter 74 is configured to limit how far back the drill guide carrier46 and drill guide assembly 48 move toward the non-clamping positionwhen the clamping assembly 38 is released. In this way, the presence ofthe stroke limiter 74 reduces the amount of movement of the drill guidecarrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 when the clamp assembly 38 isreleased.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, stroke limiter 74 is generallycentered on through hole 64 and includes a forward wall 76 that ispositioned in approximate parallel spaced relation to rearward wall 78that form a void 80 there between. A stop collar 82 is configured to bepositioned within void 80. Stop collar 82 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to be positioned aroundclamping rod 40 and lock to clamping rod 40 by locking mechanism 84. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, stop collar 82 is a generallycylindrical member having a generally cylindrical exterior surface witha generally cylindrical through hole that fits around clamping rod 40.In the arrangement shown, as one example, stop collar 82 includes agenerally flat forward wall and a generally flat rearward wall theextend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another. Theforward wall of stop collar 82 is configured to be adjacent the interiorsurface of forward wall 76 of stroke limiter 74 in a fully forwardposition, and the rearward wall of stop collar 82 is configured to beadjacent the interior surface of rearward wall 78 of stroke limiter 74in a fully rearward position.

In the arrangement shown, as one example stroke limiter 74 includes alocking mechanism 84 that is a lock screw that is configured to beloosened and tightened against the clamping rod 40 thereby locking theposition of the stop collar 82 relative to the clamping rod 40. Thewidth of stop collar 82, between its forward wall and its rearward wallis slightly narrower than the distance between the interior surface offorward wall 76 and the interior surface of rearward wall 78. Thisdifference in the width of void 80 and the width of stop collar 82defines the amount of movement or travel stroke limiter 74 will allowbetween a fully forward (of clamped position) and a fully rearward(non-clamped or released position).

In one arrangement, stop collar 82 includes flat sidewalls 83 on eachopposing side of stop collar 82. These flat sidewalls 83 are configuredto maintain the orientation of stop collar 82 when it is positionedwithin void 80 so as to ensure that locking mechanism 84 protrudesoutward from the center of stroke limiter 74

In the arrangement shown, as one example, in normal operation stopcollar 82 is loose and not affixed to clamping rod 40. This allows thefull travel of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48between clamp support 28 and back stop 32. When clamping multipleworkpieces 24 of similar thickness, stop collar 82 is set in place andtightened to clamping rod 40 when the pocket hole jig system 10 isclamping a workpiece 24 (that is similarly sized to the next workpieces24 that are to be clamped). More specifically, stop collar 82 is set inplace when the forward side of stop collar 82 is near or against therearward side of forward wall 76, which defines the forward mostposition of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48. In thearrangement shown, as one example, when stop collar 82 is set in placeand tightened to clamping rod 40, when the rearward side of stop collar82 is near or against the forward side of rearward wall 78 the rearwardmost position of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 isalso set.

That is, once clamping assembly 38 is released, the spring loaded biasof clamp assembly 38 automatically moves the drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 rearward. This rearward motion stops when therearward side of stop collar 82 engages the forward side of rearwardwall 78. If stroke limiter 74 were not present or engaged, when clampingassembly 38 is released drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly48 would move all the way rearward to the fully non-clamping position.This means, the next time a workpiece 24 of similar thickness is to beclamped, the drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 wouldhave to be advanced all of that distance.

However, with stroke limiter 74 present and engaged, when clampingassembly 38 is released drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly48 only move rearward until the rearward side of stop collar 82 engagesthe forward side of rearward wall 78 of stroke limiter 74. In this way,stroke limiter 74 limits how far rearward the drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 can move thereby speeding the ability to clampmultiple workpieces 24 of similar thickness. This avoids having to movethe drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 all the way fromthe fully non-clamping position to the clamping position for multipleworkpieces 24 of similar thickness. This makes use of the pocket holejig system 10 easier and faster for drilling workpieces 24 of similarthickness, which is often the case for users of pocket hole jigs.

In the arrangement shown, the lower end 58 of clamp support 28 includesa pair of holes 74 that are configured to receive bolts 34 that passthere through so as to facilitate attachment of clamp support 28 to endstop 30.

End Stop 30:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, support section 26 includes anend stop 30. End stop 30 may be formed of any suitable size shape anddesign and is configured enclose a bottom side 18 of the hollow interior50 of the support section 26 between clamp support 28 and back stop 32as well as facilitate attachment of the clamp support 28 to back stop32, among other features, purposes and advantages.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from a side 20,22, end stop 30 has a generally flat forward wall 88 and a generallyflat rearward wall 90 that extend in approximate parallel spacedrelation to one another. In the arrangement shown, as one example, whenviewed above or below, end stop 30 includes opposing sidewalls 92 thatextend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another betweenopposing clamp support 28 and back stop 32. In the arrangement shown, asone example, when viewed from a side 20, 22, end stop 30 includes anopposing lower surface 94 and upper surface 96 that extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another, each of which forma generally flat plane. In the arrangement shown, as one example, endstop 30 is a generally square or rectangular member when viewed fromabove or below. In the arrangement shown, as one example, end stop 30 isa generally square or rectangular member when viewed from a side 20, 22.That is, opposing forward wall 88 and rearward wall 90 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another, and extend inapproximate perpendicular relation to the sidewalls 92, and extend inapproximate perpendicular relation to opposing lower surface 94 andupper surface 96. In this way a generally square or rectangular memberis formed.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower surface 94 is generallyflat and extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to the planesformed by clamp support 28 and back stop 32. In this way, the flat planeformed by lower surface 94 provides a stable platform for the system 10to rest on when jig 10 is used in a horizontal manner.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper surface 96 is generallyflat and extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to the planesformed by clamp support 28 and back stop 32. In this way, the flat planeformed by upper surface 96 provides a stable platform for the end ofworkpiece 24 to rest upon when being clamped in support section 26.

In one arrangement, end stop 30 is a generally solid member. In analternative arrangement, as one example, as is shown, back stop 32includes a plurality of slots 98 therein. These slots 98 are configuredto allow woodchips, dust and debris generated during drilling to fallinto or through back stop 32 so as to not interfere with placement ofanother workpiece 24 within support section 26 and so as to notinterfere during the drilling process and/or so as to be removed with adust collection device, such as a snout connected to a vacuum or thelike. In the arrangement shown, as one example, slots 98 extend all theway through the thickness of end stop 30, however partial grooves arehereby contemplated. In the arrangement shown, as one example, slots 98extend the majority of the length of end stop 30 between its forward end88 and rearward end 90 and extend in parallel spaced relation tosidewalls 92. However any other size, shape or design is herebycontemplated for use as slots 98 that allow woodchips, dust and debrisgenerated during drilling to exit the drilling area, this may include aplurality of holes, a grid pattern framework of supports, or any otherform of opening or openings in end stop 30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, sidewalls 92 angle inwardslightly beginning at about their midpoint as they extend from lowersurface 94 to upper surface 96. Also, in the arrangement shown, as oneexample, slots 98 angle outwardly slightly as they extend upward fromlower surface 94 to upper surface 96. In this way, adjacent slots 98 areonly separated from one another by narrow strips of material of end stop30.

In the arrangement shown, as one example bolts 34 pass through the endstop 30 adjacent the outward sidewalls 92 of end stop 30 therebyconnecting end stop 30 on one end (rearward wall 90) to clamp support28, and on the opposite end (forward wall 88) to back stop 32.

Back Stop 32:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, support section 26 includes aback stop 32. Back stop 32 may be formed of any suitable size shape anddesign and is configured enclose a forward end of the hollow interior 50of the support section 26 opposite clamp support 28 and adjacent endstop 30 as well as facilitate a surface upon which workpiece 24 may bepressed against by clamp assembly 38, among other features, purposes andadvantages.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from a side 20,22, back stop 32 has a generally flat forward wall 100 and a generallyflat rearward wall 102 that extend in approximate parallel spacedrelation to one another. In the arrangement shown, as one example, whenviewed above or below, end stop 30 includes opposing sidewalls 92.Opposing sidewalls 92 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation toone another as they extend from lower end 106 to upper end 108. However,opposing sidewalls 92 angle inward toward one another slightly as theyextend from forward wall 100 to rearward wall 102. This inward angleprovides a larger surface area for forward wall 100 and therebyincreases stability of system 10 when used in a vertical orientation.This inward angle also helps to guide workpieces 24 into the hollowinterior 50 of support section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when viewed from a side 20,22, back stop 32 includes an opposing lower surface 106 and uppersurface 108 that extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to oneanother. However, in the arrangement shown, upper end 108 anglesslightly inward as it extends from forward wall 100 to rearward wall102. This inward angle helps to guide workpieces 24 into the hollowinterior 50 of support section 26. Also, in the arrangement shown, asone example, angled corner sections 110 are positioned at theintersection of sidewalls 104 and upper end 108. Like sidewalls 104 andupper end 108, these angled corner sections 110 angle slightly inward asthey extend from forward wall 100 to rearward wall 102. This inwardangle helps to guide workpieces 24 into the hollow interior 50 ofsupport section 26. In the arrangement shown, as one example, back stop32 is a generally square or rectangular member with the addition of theangled sections described herein. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, end stop 30 is a generally square or rectangular member whenviewed from a side 20, 22. That is, opposing forward wall 100 andrearward wall 102 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to oneanother, and extend in approximate perpendicular relation to thesidewalls 104, and extend in approximate perpendicular relation toopposing lower end 106 and upper end 108.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, lower end 106 is generallyflat and extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to the planesformed by forward wall 100 and rearward wall 102 of back stop 32. In thearrangement shown, as one example the flat plane formed by lower end 106is positioned in approximate parallel planar alignment to the planesformed by the lower surface 94 of end stop 30 as well as the planeformed by the lower end 58 of clamp support 28. In this way, the flatplane formed by the combination of the lower end 106 of back stop 32,the lower surface 94 of end stop 30 and the lower end 58 of clampsupport 28 provides an elongated flat planar surface that provides astable platform for the system 10 to rest on when jig 10 is used in ahorizontal manner.

In one arrangement, end stop 30 is a generally solid member with flatand solid forward wall 100 and rearward wall 102. In an alternativearrangement, as one example, as is shown, end stop 30 includes aplurality structural members 112 that extend across back stop 32 or saidanother way, this configuration is skeletonized. These structuralmembers 112 reduce the amount of material that back stop 32 is made ofwhile maximizing the strength and rigidity of the back stop 32.

In the arrangement shown, as one example bolts 34 to pass through holes114 in back stop 32 adjacent the outward sidewalls 104 of back stop 32thereby connecting back stop 32 to forward wall 88 of end stop 30. Inone arrangement, holes 114 receive and hold nuts 36 therein thatthemselves engage the ends of bolts 34 in threaded engagement therebylocking clamp support 28, end stop 30 and back stop 32 in engagementwith one another. In addition, the addition of metallic bolts extendingthrough clamp support 28, end stop 30 and back stop 32 providesadditional strength and rigidity to support section 26. In onearrangement, in addition to bolting clamp support 28, end stop 30 andback stop 32 to one another other attachment manners, methods and meansmay be used instead of or in addition to bolting such as the use of snapfit features, gluing, welding, adhering and/or by connecting thecomponents in any other way.

In this way, support section 26 is formed of clamp support 28, end stop30 and back stop 32 to form a generally U-shaped or C-shaped member whenviewed from a side 20, 22. Support section 26 may be formed of any othersuitable size, shape and design. In an alternative arrangement, supportsection 26 may be formed of a solid unitary and monolithic member suchas through molding, casting or machining or the like.

In one arrangement, as one example, a support member 258 is positionedon or in back stop 32 and/or end stop 32 and/or clamp support 28.Support member 258 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andis configured to strengthen and increase the rigidity of support section26. That is, during clamping, clamp assembly 38 presses against theU-shaped support section 26. This has the tendency to bend, deflect orcause the upper end of clamp support 28 and back stop 32 to open up orangle away from one another. To help prevent this, support member 258 isplaced on, in, over or otherwise associated with back stop 32 and/or endstop 32 and/or clamp support 28. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, with reference to FIG. 46, support member 258 is connectedadjacent the forward side 12 of back stop 32. This support member 258connects at its lower ends to the forward ends of bolts 34 and extendsupward therefrom a distance before terminating at its upper end which isabove mid-point of back stop 32. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, support member 258 is generally planar in shape and is formedof a strong metallic material that is held within or fits within theskeletonized structural members of the forward side 12 of back stop 32,which is formed of a plastic or composite or non-metallic material. Inthis way, the addition of support member 258 strengthens support section26 and prevents, limits or reduces flexing of support section 26 duringclamping thereby increasing the accuracy of the pocket holes that areformed during drilling. Any other size, shape or design or form ishereby contemplated for use as support member 258.

Clamping assembly 38 connects to support section 26.

Clamping Assembly 38:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes clamping assembly 38. Clamping assembly 38 may beformed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate clamping of workpiece 24 in support section 26. In thearrangement shown, as one example, clamping assembly 38 includes aclamping rod 40, a clamp body 42 having a trigger 44, a drill guidecarrier 46 and a drill guide assembly 48 among other parts, components,and feature as are described herein.

Clamping Rod 40:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, clamping assembly 38 of quickgrip pocket hole jig system 10 includes a clamping rod 40. Clamping rod40 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to facilitate the transfer of movement and pressure so as tofacilitate clamping of a workpiece 24 in support section 26 as well asfacilitate rotation of clamp body 42 around to various angularorientations relative to support section 26. In the arrangement shown,as one example, clamping rod 40 is a generally cylindrical rod thatextends a length from a forward end 116 to a rearward end 118.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, forward end 116 of clampingrod 40 includes a threaded section that is configured to engage and lockto drill guide carrier 46. Alternatively, this threaded section is atthe rearward end 118 or at any other position along clamping rod 40. Anyother manner, means or method of connecting the forward end 116 ofclamping rod 40 to drill guide carrier 46 is hereby contemplated foruse, such as pinning, crimping, bolting, screwing, welding, tightening,locking or the like

In the arrangement shown, as one example, an end cap 120 is positionedover the rearward end 118 of clamping rod 40. End cap 120 is formed ofany suitable size, shape and design and is configured to serve as a stopsurface for a return spring 122 so as to prevent return spring 122 fromcoming off that rearward end 118 of clamping rod 40. That is, end cap120 has a larger diameter than the diameter of clamping rod 40 andreturn spring 122 has a larger diameter than clamping rod 40 but asmaller diameter than the end cap 120. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, return spring 122 is positioned over clamping rod 40 betweenthe forward end of end cap 120 and the rearward end 124 of clamp body42. In this position, return spring 122 applies a force moving theclamping rod 40 rearward and away from clamp body 42.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, clamping rod 40 extendsforward from end cap 120, through return spring 122, through clamp body42, through the upper end of clamp support 28, including through strokelimiter 74 and its stop collar 82, into the hollow interior 50 ofsupport section 26 and connects to drill guide carrier 46 at its forwardend 116.

An axis of rotation extends through the approximate center of clampingrod 40 from end 116 to end 118. Clamp body 42 is configured toselectively rotate around clamping rod 40 and the axis of rotation thatclamping rod 40 forms.

Clamp Body 42:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes a clamp body 42. Clamp body 42 may be formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to facilitateselective advancement of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly48 within support section 26 so as to facilitate clamping of workpiece24. Clamp body 42 is also configured to facilitate the release andautomatic return of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48from a clamping position to a non-clamping position.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, clamp body 42 is formed of apair of generally symmetric halves 126 that connect together to oneanother along a generally centrally positioned seam line 128. Whenopposing halves 126 of clamp body 42 are joined together along seamline128, the joined halves 126 form a hollow interior 130 positioned betweenthe interior surfaces of the opposing halves 126. In the arrangementshown, as one example, clamping rod 40 extends through clamp body 42from rearward end 124 to forward end 132.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, clamp body 42 includes ahandle assembly 134. Handle assembly 134 is formed of any suitable size,shape and design and is configured to facilitate easy and comfortablegripping by a user so as to allow the user to actuate the trigger 44 tofacilitate clamping of workpiece 24. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, handle assembly 134 extends outward and away from the length ofclamping rod 40 in an approximate perpendicular alignment. Or, saidanother way, the rearward side 136 of handle assembly 134 extends inapproximate perpendicular alignment to the length of clamping rod 40.However any other arrangement is hereby contemplated for use, such asextending in an approximate parallel alignment to the length of clampingrod 40 or extending at any other angle to the length of clamping rod 40.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the rearward side 136 ofhandle assembly 134 faces away from support section 26 and oppositetrigger 44. Or, said another way, rearward side 136 of handle assembly134 faces rearward. In this way, a user may grasp the rearward side 136of handle assembly 134 in the palm of their hand and reach around thesides 138 of handle assembly 134 so as to grip the forward side 140 oftrigger 44 with their fingers such that when they squeeze the forwardside 140 of trigger 44 this pulls the outward end 142 of trigger 44toward handle assembly 134 and into the hollow interior 130 of clampbody 130 thereby advancing the clamping rod 40, and its attached drillguide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the length of handle assembly134 is slightly longer than the height of clamp support 28. As such,when system 10 is used in a horizontal manner, with the plane formed bythe flat lower end 58 of clamp support 28, the flat lower surface 94 ofend stop 30, and the flat lower end 106 of back stop 32, positioned on aflat work surface 144, the outward end 146 of handle assembly 134extends past or interferes with work surface 144 unless handle assembly134 is tilted at an angle around the axis of rotation formed by clampingrod 40.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, to facilitate a stableplatform for clamping and drilling, the outward end 146 of handleassembly 134 includes corner sections 148 positioned at the outwardcorners of the outward end 142. In this arrangement, as is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, when system 10 is used in a horizontal manner, with theplane formed by the flat lower end 58 of clamp support 28, the flatlower surface 94 of end stop 30, and the flat lower end 106 of back stop32, positioned on a flat work surface 144, the planes formed by thecorner sections 148 are configured to engage and extend in approximateparallel planar alignment to the plane formed by the flat lower end 58of clamp support 28, the flat lower surface 94 of end stop 30, and theflat lower end 106 of back stop 32 when handle assembly 134 is tilted tothe appropriate angle. This arrangement provides another point ofcontact for system 10 when used in a horizontal manner on a work surface144 thereby increasing stability of the system 10 during use. That is,the engagement between work surface 144 and the corner section 148 ofoutward end 146 of corner section 148 provides a flat and stable supportpositioned a distance rearward from support section 26. This provides astabilizing additional and distant point of contact. This arrangementalso provide clearance for access to and operation of trigger 44.

Trigger 44 is formed of any suitable size shape and design and isconfigured to connect to handle assembly 134 and facilitate advancementof clamping rod 40, drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48by iterative squeezing of trigger 44 toward handle assembly 134. In thearrangement shown, as one example, trigger 44 includes a forward side144 that extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to a pair ofopposing sides 150 that extend in approximate parallel spaced relationto one another. In the arrangement shown, as one example, opposing sides150 and forward side 140 connect at their outward ends to outward end142.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, trigger 44 is configured toconnect to handle assembly 134 at pivot point 152. When squeezed,trigger 44 pivots or rotates upon pivot point 152 which establishes anaxis of rotation that extends through handle assembly 134 in a generallyperpendicular manner to the length of handle assembly 134. Or, saidanother way, pivot point 152 forms an axis of rotation that extendsthrough handle assembly 134 from side 138 to side 138. In thearrangement shown, as one example, pivot point 152 is formed of an axleand socket arrangement, wherein the axel is formed as part of trigger 44and the socket is formed as part of handle assembly 134, however theopposite arrangement is hereby contemplated for use as is any other formof a connection that facilitates connection of handle assembly 134 totrigger 44 while allowing the pivoting or rotation or movement oftrigger 44 relative to handle assembly 134.

When trigger 44 is squeezed, the portion of trigger 44 connected topivot point 152 pivots on the axis formed by pivot point 152. As trigger44 pivots upon pivot point 152 the rearward side 14 of trigger 44 beginsto move inside the hollow interior 130 of handle assembly 134. As theoutward end 142 of trigger 44 rotates rearward and into the hollowinterior 130 of handle assembly 134, an inward end 154 of trigger 44moves forward.

Inward end 154 of trigger 44 is positioned on the rearward side of amovement mechanism 156. Movement mechanism 156 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to facilitate forwardadvancement of drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 bysqueezing of trigger 44. In the arrangement shown, as one example,movement mechanism 156 is a generally plate-shaped member that ispositioned around clamping rod 40 within the hollow interior 130 ofclamp body 42. Alternatively, inward end 154 of trigger 44 includes oneor more movement mechanisms 156 connected thereto.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, movement mechanism 156 ispositioned between a rearward stop 158 and a forward stop 160. Rearwardstop 158 and forward stop 160 are connected to and/or formed of thematerial of the material of clamp body 42 and extend around clamping rod40 thereby serving as stop features within clamp body 42. Or, saidanother way, clamping rod 40 extends through rearward stop 158 andforward stop 160 as well as through movement mechanism 156 which ispositioned between rearward stop 158 and forward stop 160. In thearrangement shown, the rearward side of movement mechanism 156 ispositioned adjacent or against a forward side of the rearward stop 158and a center spring 162 is positioned around clamping rod 40 betweenrearward stop 158 and forward stop 160. Center spring 162 applies aforce upon movement mechanism 156 forcing movement mechanism 156rearward against the forward side of rearward stop 158. In this way,center spring 162 causes the return of movement mechanism 156 whentrigger 44 is released.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the outward end of movementmechanism 156 is positioned just in front of and in engagement with theinward end 154 of trigger 44. In this arrangement, when trigger 44 issqueezed, the inward end 154 of trigger 44 forces the outward end ofmovement mechanism 156 forward. As the trigger 44 moves the movementmechanism 156 forward, overcoming the force of center spring 162 forcingthe movement mechanism 156 rearward, the movement mechanism 156 cinchesupon the clamping rod 40. Once movement mechanism 156 is cinched orlocked onto clamping rod 40 as the movement mechanism 156 moves forwardthis forces clamping rod 40 forward, which forces the attached drillguide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 forward. In onearrangement, movement mechanism 156 cinches upon clamping rod 40 byangularly tilting upon clamping rod 40.

This forward movement continues until trigger 44 is fully squeezed andfully retracted within the hollow interior 130 of handle assembly 134.When trigger 44 is fully squeezed, movement mechanism 156 is positionedas far forward between rearward stop 158 and forward stop 160 aspossible.

Once in this fully forward position, when trigger 44 is released, theoutward end 142 of trigger 44 returns to its natural forward-extendedposition under a spring bias as trigger 44 again rotates upon pivotpoint 152. As the outward end 142 of trigger 44 rotates forward, theinward end 154 of trigger 44 rotates rearward. As the inward end 154 oftrigger 44 rotates rearward, movement mechanism 156 releases its lock onclamping rod 40 and movement mechanism 156 slides rearward over theexterior surface of clamping rod 40 under the bias of center spring 162until the rearward side of movement mechanism 156 again engages theforward side of rearward stop 158.

At this point, the clamping process may be repeated. In this way,clamping of workpiece 24 is accomplished by repeated gripping of trigger44 which iteratively moves clamping rod 40, drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 forward until workpiece 24 is fully clampedwhich establishes the fully clamped position.

A release mechanism 164 is positioned rearward of rearwards stop 158 andforward of rearward end 124 of clamp body 42. Release mechanism 164 isformed of any suitable size shape and design and is configured tofacilitate forward movement of clamping rod 40 so as to facilitateclamping, while preventing rearward movement of clamping rod 40 unlessrelease mechanism 164 is released. Release mechanism 164 is alsoconfigured to facilitate selective release of clamping rod 40 so as toallow clamping rod 40 to move rearward to a non-clamping position.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, release mechanism 164 includesa forward section 166 and a rearward section 168. In the arrangementshown, as one example, forward section 166 of release mechanism 164extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to rearward section 168of release mechanism 164. In the arrangement shown, as one example,release mechanism 164 is a generally planar metallic plate that is bentat a corner positioned between forward section 166 and rearward section168, however any other arrangement is hereby contemplated for use. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, forward section 166 of releasemechanism 164 extends in approximate perpendicular alignment to thelength of clamping rod 40 which extends through the rearward section 168of release mechanism 164. In the arrangement shown, as one example,rearward section 168 of release mechanism 164 extends in approximateparallel spaced relation to the length of clamping rod 40. In thearrangement shown, as one example, forward section 166 connects at itsend opposite rearward section 168 to clamp body 42. This connectionbetween forward section 166 and clamp body 42 serves as a pivot pointfor angular rotation of release mechanism 164. In the arrangement shown,as one example, the outward end of forward section 166 connects to theforward end of rearward section 168 which extends rearward therefrom adistance. In the arrangement shown, as one example, rearward section 168of release mechanism 164 extends through a slot 170 in the rearward end124 of clamp body 42. In this way, the rearward end of rearward section166 of release mechanism 164 extends out of the hollow interior 130 ofclamp body 42. This allows the rearward end of rearward section 166 tobe accessed by a user so as to release the release mechanism 164.

In one arrangement, release mechanism 164 is spring biased or biased bya spring or is arranged and/or aligned with respect to clamping rod 40so as to allow clamping rod 40 to freely slide forward through forwardsection 166 while preventing rearward movement of clamping rod 40. Whenrearward end 168 is depressed, this causes release mechanism 164 topivot on its connection to clamp body 42 thereby aligning releasemechanism 164 with respect to clamping rod 40 so as to allow clampingrod 40 to move rearward upon the spring bias applied to end cap 120.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when trigger 44 is pulledrearward and clamping rod 40 is advanced forward, release mechanism 164and/or forward section 166 allows clamping rod 40 to freely move throughforward section 166 of release mechanism 164. However, release mechanism164 prevents rearward movement of clamping rod 40. As such, in this way,release mechanism 164 holds the clamping pressure on workpiece 24. Or,said another way, release mechanism 164 holds clamping rod 40, drillguide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 in a clamping position. Orsaid another way, release mechanism and/or forward section 166 thereofallow for selective one-way (forward) movement of clamping rod 40 duringclamping. That is, until release mechanism 164 and/or forward section166 is released by depressing release mechanism 164 thereby allowingclamping rod 40 to return. This free forward movement plus rearwardlocking or cinching is accomplished by an angular orientation betweenthe forward section 166 of release mechanism 164 and the axis ofrotation of the clamping rod 40.

To release the clamping pressure, and allow clamping rod 40, drill guidecarrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 to move rearward to thenon-clamping position upon the spring bias of return spring 122, therearward end of rearward section 168 of release mechanism 164 is pressedin a direction away from the axis of rotation of clamping rod 40. Indoing so, this causes the forward section 166 of release mechanism 164to pivot upon clamp body 42 until the opening in forward section 166squares with the axis of rotation of clamping rod 44 thereby allowingthe clamping rod 44 to move rearward through forward section 166 underthe pressure or return spring 122 generated between end cap 120 and therearward end 124 of clamp body 42. In this way, release mechanism 164selectively locks the clamping rod 40 in a clamping position andselectively allows clamping rod 40 to move to a non-clamping position.

In one arrangement, a release spring 171 is positioned forward ofrelease mechanism 164 and applies a rearward pressure on forward section166 causing release mechanism 164 to return rearward under the springbias or release spring 171. In one arrangement, the forward end ofrelease spring 171 engages the rearward side of rearward stop 158 andthe rearward end of release spring 171 engages the forward surface offorward section 166.

Attachment Mechanism 172:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes an attachment mechanism 172. Attachment mechanism 172may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configuredto facilitate the attachment of the forward end of clamp body 42 to theattachment mechanism 66 in the rearward end of support section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, attachment mechanism 172includes a collar 174 positioned at a forward end of clamp body 42 andforms a hollow interior 176 positioned rearward of collar 174 andforward of the forward end of forward stop 160. In the arrangementshown, as one example, collar 174 is configured to fit around thecylindrical exterior peripheral surface of first collar 68 of attachmentmechanism 66 with close and tight tolerances. As first collar 68 andcollar 174 are both cylindrical in shape, this allows for the rotationof the cylindrical interior surface of collar 174 around the cylindricalexterior surface of first collar 68.

When collar 174 is positioned around the first collar 68, the largersecond collar 70 is positioned within the hollow interior 176 ofattachment mechanism 172. In the arrangement wherein second collar 70includes a plurality of lock features 72, attachment mechanism 172includes similar lock features 178 adjacent collar 174 that areconfigured to engage and lock with lock features 72 of attachmentmechanism 66. This engagement between lock features 72 of second collar70 of attachment mechanism 66 with lock features 178 of collar 174 ofattachment mechanism 172 facilitate alignment of clamp body 42 withsupport section 26 at predetermined angular orientations. In onearrangement, these predetermined angular orientations are at thetwelve-o'clock position, one-thirty position, three-o'clock position,four-thirty position, six-o'clock position, seven-thirty position,nine-o'clock position, ten-thirty position, and again at the midnightposition, relative to support section 26. However any otherpredetermined positions are hereby contemplated for use. Thesepredetermined positions help to hold clamp body 42 at desirable angularalignments relative to support section 26, such as at the angularorientations that align corner sections 148 in planar alignment with theplane of the bottom side of support section 26. Alternatively, nopredetermined positions are present and in this arrangement clamp body42 may be infinitely aligned at any angular orientation relative tosupport section 26.

A forward spring 180 is positioned within hollow interior 176 ofattachment mechanism 172 around clamping rod 40 and is positionedbetween the forward side of forward stop 160 and the rearward side ofsecond collar 70. Forward spring 180 provides a spring bias forceforcing support section 26 away from clamp body 42. More specifically,the spring bias force generated by forward spring 180 forces secondcollar 70 of attachment mechanism 66 into collar 174 of attachmentmechanism 172. This spring bias force of forward spring 180 naturallyurges meshing of the lock features 72 of second collar 72 of attachmentmechanism 66 with the lock features 178 of collar 174 of attachmentmechanism 172. In this way, forward spring 180 helps to hold the clampbody 42 at selected angular orientations relative to support section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, when attachment mechanism 66of support section 26 includes lock features 72 in second collar 70 thatmesh with lock features 178 of collar 174 of attachment mechanism 172 ofclamp body 42, to adjust the angular orientation of clamp body 42relative to support section 26, the user applies a force pushing clampbody 42 toward support section 26 that overcomes the force generated byforward spring 180. Once the lock features 178 of collar 174 clear thelock features 72 in second collar 70 the clamp body 42 may be rotatedaround the axis of rotation established by clamping rod 40 to thedesired angular orientation. Once the user releases the force forcingclamp body 42 toward support section 26 the spring bias force of forwardspring 180 again forces clamp body 42 and support section 26 away fromone another thereby causing meshing of lock features 72 of second collar70 of attachment mechanism 66 of support section 26 with lock features178 of collar 174 of attachment mechanism 172 of clamp body 42.

One of the benefits of attachment mechanism 172 is that it allows forangular rotation of clamp body 42 regardless whether stop collar 82 islocked in place on clamping rod 40. This is because the engagement ofattachment member 66 of support section 26 with attachment member 172 ofclamp body 42 is positioned rearward of the engagement between stopcollar 82 and clamping rod 40.

Connection Members 182:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, halves 126 of clamp body 42connect to one another at a plurality connection members 182. Connectionmembers 182 may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and areconfigured to connect opposing halves 126 of clamp body 42 to oneanother. In the arrangement shown, as one example, connection members182 are formed of holes that are configured to receive fasteners 184,such as screws, bolts, nuts, snap fit members, or any other member thatfacilitates attachment of one component to another. In the arrangementshown, as one example, a connection member 182 is positioned adjacentthe rearward and outward end of handle assembly 134, another connectionmember 182 is positioned just rearward of trigger 44 adjacent the inwardend of trigger 44, and another connection member 182 is positionedforward of trigger 44 adjacent the inward end of trigger and adjacentthe rearward end of attachment mechanism 172.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, fastener 184 is formed of ascrew and nut arrangement wherein one side of clamp body 42 receives thenut and the opposite side of clamp body 42 receives the screw. Onceinstalled, the screw and nut are tightened in threaded engagement withone another thereby pulling the opposing halves 126 into tightengagement with one another along seam line 128 and thereby securelyholding the internal components of clamp assembly 38 within the hollowinterior 130 of clamp body 42.

Drill Guide Carrier 46:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes a drill guide carrier 46. Drill guide carrier 46 maybe formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tohold and facilitate adjustment of drill guide assembly 48 therein. Inthe arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide carrier 46 includes acenter wall 186 that connects at its outward edges to sidewalls 188.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, center wall 186 of drill guidecarrier 46 connects to the forward end 116 of clamping rod 40 by anymanner, method or means. In the arrangement shown, as one example, theforward end 116 of clamping rod 40 includes an inward step that includesthreads thereon. In this arrangement, the wider portion of clamping rod40, prior to the inward step, engages the rearward side 190 of centerwall 186 while the narrower portion extends through a hole 192 in centerwall 186 and receives a nut or other fastening member on a forward side194 of center wall 186 thereby connecting the forward end 116 ofclamping rod 40 to center wall 186 of drill guide carrier 46.

In the arrangement shown, forward side 194 of center wall 186 andinterior sides 196 of sidewalls 188 define a hollow interior 198 that issized and shaped to receive drill guide assembly 48 therein. In thearrangement shown, as one example, a slot 200 is positioned at theoutward sides of center wall 186 and at the forward end of sidewalls188. Slots 200 extend vertically through drill guide carrier 46 from anupper end 202 to a lower end 204. Slots 200 are sized and shaped toreceive the sides of drill guide assembly 48 therein while allowingdrill guide assembly 48 to be vertically adjusted so as to accommodateworkpieces 24 of varying thickness.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, slots 200 are defined bybetween forward wall 200A, end wall 200B and rear wall 200C. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the rearward facing surface offorward wall 200A faces and extends in approximate parallel spacedrelation to the forward facing surface of rear wall 200C. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the inward facing surface of end wall200B extends in approximate perpendicular spaced relation to forwardwall 200A and rear wall 200C when viewed from above or below. Howeverany other arrangement is hereby contemplated for use.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the inward end of rear wall200C connects to the forward end of sidewall 188 and rear wall 200Cextends outward therefrom in an approximate perpendicular alignment tothe plane formed by the interior side 196 of sidewall 188; the outwardend of rear wall 200C connects to the rearward end of end wall 200B andend wall 200B extends forward therefrom in an approximate perpendicularalignment to the plane formed by the forward facing surface of rear wall200C; the forward end of end wall 200B connects to the outward end offorward wall 200A and forward wall 200A extends inward therefrom in anapproximate perpendicular alignment to the plane formed by the inwardfacing surface of end wall 200B. In this way a generally square orrectangular shaped slot 200 is formed. The size and shape of slots 200correspond in size and shape with a

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a lock mechanism 206 ispositioned at the upper end of slots 200 and includes a lock feature208. Lock mechanism 206 and lock member 208 are formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and are configured to selectively engage and holddrill guide assembly 48 in place in drill guide carrier 46 atpredetermined positions. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lockmechanism 206 includes an arm 210 that extends upward and slightlyoutward adjacent the upper end 212 of slot 200. A pad 214 is connectedto the upper end of arm 210 and includes a plurality of friction members216 positioned in its exterior facing surface that are configured tofacilitate easy gripping and inward squeezing of pad 214. A forward arm218 is connected to the forward side of pad 214 that extends inward adistance from the forward side of pad 214. At least one lock feature 208is connected to the inward end of forward arm 218 and extends rearward adistance before terminating in a rounded end. Any other configuration ishereby contemplated for use as lock mechanism 206 and lock feature 208.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, arms 210 are configured tobias pads 214 and their lock feature 208 slightly outward. As such, inuse a user presses opposing pads 214 inward toward one another until thechannel formed between the inward facing surface of pad 214, therearward facing surface of forward arm 218 and the outward facingsurface of lock feature 208 align with the slot 200 at which point drillguide assembly 48 is free to slide up and down within slots 200.Pressing inward on pads 214 causes arms 210 to flex inward. Or, saidanother way, pressure is applied on pads 214 thereby overcoming theoutward spring bias force of arms 210. In this way, lock mechanism 206is a spring loaded mechanism that is configured to lock drill guideassembly 48 in place on drill guide carrier 46. When pressure isreleased from pads 214 the natural spring bias of arms 210 causes lockfeature 208 to engage and lock to drill guide assembly 48. In theirnatural state, the angle of arms 210 causes lock features 208 to bepositioned in the approximate middle of slots 200, when viewed fromabove or below. Or in another arrangement, the natural bias of arms 210cause lock features 208 to obstruct the clear passage of slots 200.

In one arrangement, drill guide carrier 46 is formed by molding,injection molding, machining or by forming in any other manner. In thisway, a spring loaded mechanism is presented that is unitary andmonolithic with drill guide carrier 46 thereby eliminating assembly andadditional parts and pieces. In addition to this arrangement beingdurable, strong, rugged and long lasting, this arrangement is easy touse and provides secure locking of the drill guide assembly 48 withrespect to drill guide carrier 46. In one arrangement, lock mechanism206 is formed of the same material as the rest of drill guide carrier46, whereas, in another arrangement, lock mechanism 206 is formed of adifferent material as the rest of drill guide carrier 46. In analternative arrangement, lock mechanism 206 is a separate component thatis attached to drill guide carrier 46.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide carrier 46includes a plurality of structural features 220. In the arrangementshown, as one example, structural features 220 extend across therearward side 190 of center wall 186 and extend around the outward sides222 of sidewalls 188. In this way, structural features 220 provideenhanced structural strength and rigidity to drill guide carrier 46while minimizing the material needed for drill guide carrier 46. In thisway a strong but light drill guide carrier is presented.

Drill guide carrier 46 is configured to receive and hold drill guideassembly 48 therein.

Drill Guide Assembly:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 includes drill guide assembly 48. Drill guide assembly 48 maybe formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to beheld by drill guide carrier 46 and is configured to receive and guidestepped drill bits at a specified angle so as to facilitate drilling ofpocket holes in workpiece 24.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide assembly 48includes an opposing upper end 224 and lower end 226, opposing sides228, and an opposing forward face 230 and rearward wall 232. In thearrangement shown, as one example, upper end 224 and lower end 226extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another, opposingsides 228 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another,and opposing forward face 230 and rearward wall 232 extend inapproximate parallel spaced relation to one another. In the arrangementshown, as one example, upper end 224 and lower end 226 extend inapproximate perpendicular alignment to forward face 230 and rearwardwall 232, upper end 224 and lower end 226 extend in approximateperpendicular alignment to sides 228, and forward face 230 and rearwardwall 232 extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to sides 228. Inthis way a generally rectangular shaped member is formed, with the otherfeatures described herein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a pair of slots 234 arepositioned adjacent sides 228 and extend from upper end 224 to lower end226. In the arrangement shown, as one example, slots 234 open to theforward face 230 spaced inward a distance from sides 228.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the forward edge 236 of drillguide assembly 28 outward from slots 234 is recess slightly to the planeformed by forward face 230. Forward edge 236 extends in parallel spacedrelation to the plane formed by forward face 230. The recess of forwardedges 236 outward from slots 234 provides clearance for the sides 228 ofdrill guide assembly 48 to pass the forward arm 218 of lock mechanism206 of drill guide carrier 46.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a plurality of lock features238 are positioned in forward edge 236. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, lock features 238 are formed of rounded notches or recesses orslots that extend a distance rearward from the forward surface offorward edge 236. In the arrangement shown, as one example, these lockfeatures 238 are positioned at spaced intervals from the upper end 224and extend downward therefrom a distance. In the arrangement shown, asone example, four lock features 238 are presented, with the placement ofeach lock feature 238 corresponding to a common thickness of workpiece24 such as ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch and 1½ inch, as one example. Any othernumber of lock features 238 are hereby contemplated for use such asnone, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more,at any spacing or distance.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide assembly 48includes a plurality of drill guides 240 having a cylindrical bore thatextend through drill guide assembly 48 at an angle. Drill guides 240 aregenerally cylindrical members that are configured to receive and guide astepped drill bit into workpiece 24 at an angle. In one arrangement,drill guide 240 are formed of a hardened metallic material, so as tomaximize wear resistance, whereas the rest of the drill guide assembly48 is formed of a plastic or composite or non-metallic material. In thearrangement shown, as one example, drill guides 240 extend through drillguide assembly 48 at an approximate fifteen degree angle such that thebores of drill guides 240 extend from the upper end 224 through theforward face 230 of drill guide assembly 48. However, any other angle ishereby contemplated for use from one degree to eighty nine degrees. Theresult is the bores of drill guides 240 exit the forward face 230adjacent lower end 226 in vertically extending oval openings.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, three drill guides 240 arepresented, however any other number of drill guides 240 are herebycontemplated for use such as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven,eight, nine or ten or more. In the arrangement shown, as onearrangement, two drill guides 240 are positioned closer to one anotherwhereas a third drill guide 240 is positioned a distance away from theother drill guides 240. This arrangement provides various spacingoptions when drilling pocket holes in a workpiece 24.

To provide support for drill guides 240 support columns 242 arepositioned around drill guides 240. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, support columns 242 are formed of additional material of drillguide assembly 48 that surrounds drill guides 240 and providesadditional strength and rigidity to drill guides 240. Due to the narrowforward-to-back width of drill guide assembly 48, support columns 242 aswell as drill guides 240 extend outward from the rearward wall 232 asthey extend upward at an angle. In one arrangement, as is shown,accommodations are made in the upper end of center wall 186 of drillguide carrier 46 to provide clearance for these protruding supportcolumns 242. In one arrangement, these accommodations include the upperend of center wall 186 to angle rearward at its upper end 202.

In one arrangement, drill guide assembly 48 is formed of a singlemonolithic member formed of a plastic or composite material withmetallic drill guides 240 positioned and held therein. In an alternativearrangement, drill guide assembly 48 may be formed of one or more partsor pieces that are assembled together. Any other size, shape orconfiguration is hereby contemplated for use with drill guide assembly48.

Installation of Drill Guide Assembly into Drill Guide Carrier:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide assembly 48 isinstalled into drill guide carrier 46 by aligning the lower end 226 ofdrill guide assembly 48 with the hollow interior 198 of drill guidecarrier 46. Once in this alignment, the lower end 226 of drill guideassembly 48 is slid downward such that the sides 228 of drill guideassembly 48 are held within the slots 200 of drill guide carrier 46. Inone arrangement, to facilitate installation of drill guide assembly 48into drill guide carrier 46, pads 214 of lock mechanisms 206 of drillguide carrier 46 are forced inward so as to move the lock features 208out of the slot 200 so as to allow for passage of drill guide assembly48 through slots 200 of drill guide carrier 46. Once drill guideassembly 48 reaches its desired position, inward pressure is released onpads 214 of lock mechanisms 206 of drill guide carrier 46 therebycausing the natural bias of arms 210 to move lock features 208 outwardand into lock features 238 of drill guide assembly 48 thereby lockingthe position of the drill guide assembly 48 relative to drill guidecarrier 46.

To adjust the position of the drill guide assembly 48 relative to thedrill guide carrier 48, inward pressure is applied to the pads 214 oflock mechanism 206 of drill guide carrier 46 thereby causing pads 214 tomove inward thereby causing the post that is lock feature 208 of lockmechanism 206 of drill guide carrier 46 to move inward and out of theslot 234 that is lock feature 238 of drill guide assembly 48. Once inthis position, drill guide assembly 48 is free to slide up and downwithin drill guide carrier 46. Once the desired position is achieved,again, inward pressure is removed from pads 214 of lock mechanism 206 ofdrill guide carrier 46 and the posts that are lock features 208 of drillguide carrier 46 move into the slots that are lock features 238 of drillguide assembly 48 thereby locking the position of the drill guideassembly 48 relative to drill guide carrier 46 in its new position.

Once drill guide assembly 48 is installed in drill guide carrier 46, theforward face 230 of drill guide assembly 48 is positioned in approximateparallel planar alignment with the planes formed by the forward side offorward wall 200A. As such, a flat forward surface, combined of bothdrill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48, engages the side ofworkpiece 24 upon clamping.

With reference to the bottom view of FIG. 18 which shows drill guideassembly 48 installed within drill guide carrier 46, in one arrangementa space is positioned between the lower end of the forward side 194 ofcenter wall 186 of drill guide carrier 46 and the lower end of the rearwall 232 of drill guide assembly 48. In one arrangement, channels 244connect to the bore of drill guides 240 of drill guide assembly 48 andallow passage of woodchips, dust and debris out of the bore of drillguides 240 during drilling. In the arrangement shown, as one example,woodchips, dust and debris exiting channels 244 may fall downward andout of system 10 in the space between forward side 194 of center wall186 of drill guide carrier 46 on one side and the rearward wall 232 ofdrill guide assembly 48 on the other side. These woodchips, dust anddebris may then fall through the slots 98 in the end stop 30 of supportsection 26 thereby allowing the woodchips, dust and debris to fully exitsystem 10, this is especially true when a vacuum attachment is used.

Clamping, Drilling, Release:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, to clamp a workpiece 24 usingsystem 10 the user first decides whether the quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 will be used in a vertical arrangement or a horizontalarrangement. This determination will largely be determined by the sizeand shape of the workpiece 24. When small workpieces 24 are used thatcan easily be placed in support section 26, the system 10 is often usedin a horizontal arrangement, such as that shown in FIG. 38 wherein thesystem 10 rests upon the plane formed by the bottom side 18 of clampsupport 28, end stop 30 and back stop 32. In a horizontal usearrangement, care is taken to align handle assembly 134 at an anglewherein the outward end 146 of handle assembly 134 does not interferewith work surface 144 and instead a corner section 148 engages worksurface 144 thereby adding stability. When larger workpieces 24 areused, that are more difficult to orient or place in the support section26, the jig system 10 is essentially brought to the workpiece 24 and thesystem 10 is used in a vertical arrangement, such as that shown in FIG.35 wherein the system 10 rests upon the plane formed by the forward wall100 of back stop 32. Alternatively, system 10 may be used in any otherorientation.

Once system 10 is properly oriented, workpiece 24 is placed in supportsection 26. In doing so, the end of workpiece 24 is placed against theupper surface 96 of end stop 30 and the forward facing surface ofworkpiece 24 is placed against the rearward wall 102 of back stop 32.The drill guides 240 of drill guide assembly 48 are then aligned withthe rearward facing side of workpiece 24.

Once workpiece 24 is placed in support section 26, the handle assembly134 and trigger 44 is grasped and the trigger 44 is squeezed towardhandle assembly 134. As trigger 44 is squeezed, the outward end 142 oftrigger 44 moves rearward toward handle assembly 134, and the inward end154 of trigger 44 within hollow interior 130 of clamp body 42 movesforward as trigger 44 rotates upon pivot point 152. As the inward end154 of trigger 44 moves forward, the outward end of movement mechanism156 is moved forward by engagement with the inward end 154 of trigger44.

As the outward end of movement mechanism 156 is urged forward by itsengagement with the inward end 154 of trigger 44, the generallyperpendicular alignment of the plate of movement mechanism 156 tilts orcants with respect to the axis of rotation of clamping rod 40. Thiscauses movement mechanism 156 to cinch or lock onto clamping rod 40.Once movement mechanism 156 cinches to clamping rod 40, as the trigger44 continues to be depressed into the hollow interior 130 of handleassembly 134 the inward end 154 of trigger 44 continues to move movementmechanism 156 forward within the hollow interior 130 of clamp body 42between rearward stop 158 and forward stop 160. As movement mechanism156 is moved forward, the rearward spring bias force of center spring162 is overcome thereby causing center spring 162 to compress.

Since movement mechanism 156 is cinched on clamping rod 40, forwardmovement of movement mechanism 156 causes forward movement of clampingrod 40. As clamping rod 40 moves forward within hollow interior 130 ofclamp body 42, the rearward end of clamping rod 40 slides through theforward section 166 of release mechanism 164 which allows one-waymovement of clamping rod 40. As clamping rod 40 moves forward withinhollow interior 130 of clamp body 42, the forward end of clamping rod 40urges drill guide carrier 46 and its associated drill guide assembly 48forward.

This process continues until trigger 44 has been fully compressedrearward into the hollow interior 130 of handle assembly 134. Oncetrigger 44 is fully compressed the trigger 44 is released which allowstrigger 44 to return to its non-clamping position under spring biasforce. As trigger 44 is released the spring bias force of center spring162 pushes rearward upon the forward surface of movement mechanism 156thereby causing movement mechanism 156 to move rearward until therearward side of movement mechanism 156 engages the forward side ofrearward stop 158, at which point trigger 44 has again returned to itsfully non-clamping position. During this process of the return oftrigger 44 and movement mechanism 156 to its fully non-clampingposition, release mechanism 164 is cinched onto and holds the positionof clamping rod 40 thereby preventing the rearward motion of clampingrod 40.

Once trigger 44 and movement mechanism 156 return to their fullynon-clamping position, the trigger 44 may again be squeezed and theprocess is repeated. This continues until the forward face 230 of drillguide assembly 48 firmly engages the side of workpiece 26 therebyclamping workpiece between drill guide assembly 48 on one side and backstop 32 on the opposite side. Once clamped in place, release mechanism164 is holds the tension and pressure on workpiece 24 therebyfacilitating a strong and durable and long lasting hold on workpiece 24so as to facilitate drilling pocket holes in workpiece 26.

In this clamped position, pocket holes are drilled in workpiece 24 bypassing a stepped drill bit through the bores of drill guides 240 ofdrill guide assembly 48. In doing so, woodchips, dust and debris exitsthe channels 244 that connect with the bores of drill guides 240 whichpasses outward through the space between the lower end of drill guidecarrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48. As these woodchips, dust anddebris exit the lower end of the combined drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 the woodchips, dust and debris passes throughthe slots 98 in end stop 30 thereby allowing the woodchips, dust anddebris to exit the system 10 and not interfere with the drillingoperation or placement of the next workpiece 24.

Once the drilling has been completed, the workpiece 24 is released bypressing the rearward section 168 of release mechanism 164 outward andaway from clamping rod 40. In doing so, as the rearward section 168 ofrelease mechanism 164 is pressed outward, the forward section 166 ofrelease mechanism 164 changes its angular orientation with respect tothe axis of clamping rod 40. Once the rearward section 168 of releasemechanism 164 is depressed enough, the lock between forward section 166of release mechanism 164 and clamping rod 40 is broken and clamping rod40 is allowed to move rearward through release mechanism 164. When thisoccurs, clamping rod 40 is automatically forced rearward under thespring bias force of return spring 122 positioned between the rearwardend 124 of clamp body 42 and the forward end of end cap 120.

Unless stroke limiter 74 is in use, when release mechanism 164 isreleased, clamping rod 40 and its attached drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 will move all the way rearward to the fullynon-clamping position. To reduce the need to repeatedly move theclamping rod 40 and its attached drill guide carrier 46 and drill guideassembly 48 from the fully clamped position to the fully non-clampedposition, and to speed clamping of workpieces 24 of similar thickness,stroke limiter 74 is used. Stroke limiter 74 prevents clamping rod 40and its attached drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48 frommoving all the way rearward to the fully non-clamped position.

In use, when clamping multiple workpieces 24 of a similar thickness, thefirst workpiece 24 is clamped. Next, the stop collar 82 is slid all theway forward within void 80 until the forward surface of stop collar 82engages or nearly engages the rearward side of forward wall 88. Once inthis position locking mechanism 84 is tightened thereby locking theposition stop collar 82 upon clamping rod 40. In the arrangement shown,as one example, locking mechanism 84 is a thumb screw that extendsthrough stop collar 82 and engages the surface of clamping rod 40.

Once stop collar 82 is tightened, when release mechanism 164 is releasedthe spring bias force of return spring 122 forces clamping rod 40rearward until the rearward side of stop collar 82 engages the forwardside of rearward wall 78 of stroke limiter 74. This engagement preventsany further rearward motion of clamping rod 40. This arrangement allowsfor enough rearward movement to allow workpiece 24 to be freely removedand a new workpiece 24 to be inserted for clamping. Then, when it comesto clamping, the clamping rod 40 only needs to be moved forward a smalldistance to facilitate clamping of the new workpiece 24. This savestime, energy, effort and reduces wear and tear on the system 10 as wellas the user.

Grippy Material:

In one arrangement, some or all of the surfaces of system 10 that engageworkpiece 24 are partially or wholly covered by a compressible materialthat has a high coefficient of friction. This compressible material witha high coefficient of friction helps to hold workpiece 24 in placewithin jig 10 as well as reduces the amount of clamping pressurerequired to adequately hold workpiece 24 in place. This is because thisgrippy material has a high coefficient of friction making it less likelythat workpiece 24 will slide or shift after being clamped.

In one arrangement this compressible material with a high coefficient offriction covers some or all of the upper surface of end stop 30, therearward surface of back stop 32 and the forward surfaces of drill guidecarrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48.

Alternative Arrangement—Bench Clamp Arrangement:

In an alternative arrangement, with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41,backstop 32 is removed and work surface 44 essentially replaces backstop32. In this arrangement, fasteners 250 are extended through holes 252 inend stop 30 as well as holes in work surface 144. These fasteners 250are tightened against work surface 144 by nuts 254 that are tightened onthe end of fasteners 250 on an opposite side of work surface 144. Inthis way, work surface 144 replaces back stop 32.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, a vacuum attachment 256 isattached to the lower end of end stop 30 when system 10 is used inassociation with work surface 144 in this manner as the lower end of endstop 30 is exposed. However any other arrangement of a vacuum attachment256 is hereby contemplated for use.

Alternative Arrangement:

With reference to FIG. 42 through FIG. 75 an alternative arrangement ofa quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 is presented. This alternativearrangement of a quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 presented in FIG.42 through FIG. 75 is similar to the configuration of quick grip pockethole jig system 10 presented in FIG. 1 through FIG. 41. For this reason,unless specifically stated otherwise, all of the teaching and disclosurepresented with respect to the arrangement presented in FIG. 1 throughFIG. 41 applies equally to the arrangement presented in FIG. 42 throughFIG. 75.

Release Mechanism 164:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 release mechanism 164 has been relocated as compared tothe arrangement shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 41. In this arrangement,release mechanism 164 is positioned forward of handle assembly 134 andtrigger 44 and rearward of the forward end of clamp body 42. In thearrangement shown, as one example, release mechanism 164 extendsdownward from the lower side of clamp body 42 between the upper end oftrigger 44 and the forward end of clamp body 42. In the arrangementshown, as one example, release mechanism 164 is a generallytrigger-shaped member that extend outward and downward from the lowerside of clamp body 42 in spaced alignment with trigger 44.

This placement, forward of and in alignment with trigger 44 isconvenient for a user as the user may squeeze trigger 44 and releasemechanism 164 without having to move the placement of their hand. Thatis, the user may clamp a workpiece 24 with quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 by placing their hand around handle assembly 134 and squeezingtrigger 44 with their fingers. Without removing their hand they can alsorelease the clamping pressure by grasping release mechanism 164 withtheir finger and pulling it rearward. In this way, convenience, comfort,increased speed, increased ease of use and improved ergonomics areprovided by moving release mechanism 164 to this new location. Inaddition, this location is intuitive to the user as it is placed justforward of trigger 44. In addition, the motion is intuitive as themotion is the same direction as trigger 44, that is the user pullstrigger 44 and release mechanism 164 rearward.

In its natural state, forward section 166, when viewed from the side, isat an angled orientation to the length of clamping rod 40 with the upperend of forward section 166 slightly forward from the lower end offorward section 166. In this arrangement, forward section 166 cinches onclamping rod 40 and prevents the rearward movement of clamping rod 40.As can be seen, a spring 260 is positioned between the forward side offorward section 166 and the forward end of clamp body 42 which maintainsthis orientation.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper end of releasemechanism 164 urges the lower end of forward section 166, which is aplate that clamping rod 40 extends through that cinches or locks ontoclamping rod 40 and allows forward movement of clamping rod 40 butprevents rearward movement of clamping rod 40 in its natural state.Forward section 166 may be referred to as a locking plate or cinchingplate. When release mechanism 164 is pressed, the lower end of releasemechanism 164 moves rearward while the upper end of release mechanism164 moves forward which engages the lower end of forward section 166which causes the lower end of forward section 166 to move forward. Asthe lower end of forward section 166 moves forward, against the springbias of spring 260 this causes the orientation of forward section 166 tomove from an angled and cinched position, wherein the upper end offorward section 166 is forward of the lower end of forward section 166,toward a perpendicular alignment wherein the plane of forward section166 is approaches a perpendicular alignment to the length of clampingrod 40. At some point between the natural angled alignment and aperpendicular alignment, the forward section 166 releases its grip orcinch or lock on clamping rod 40 and allows clamping rod 40 to moverearward under spring bias thereby taking drill guide carrier 46 anddrill guide assembly 48 connected to the forward end 116 of clamping rod40 thereby allowing clamp body, drill guide carrier 46 and drill guideassembly 48 to move from a clamping position to a non-clamping position.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, release mechanism 166 is urgedforward to its natural position by spring 262. Spring 262 is positionedon the rearward side of release mechanism 166 and provides a force thatreturns release mechanism 164 to its natural state where it does notaffect the cinching of forward section 166. When release mechanism 164is engaged, the user must overcome the spring bias provided by spring262.

Stroke Limiter 74:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 stroke limiter 74 has been relocated as compared to thearrangement shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 41. In this arrangement, strokelimiter 74 is positioned in the upper approximate middle of clamp body42 above handle assembly 134 and trigger 144. In the arrangement shown,as one example, stroke limiter 74 includes a locking mechanism 84, whichin the arrangement shown is a knob, connected to a shaft that extendsinto the hollow interior of clamp body 42 and connects to stop collar 82that is positioned around clamp rod 40.

Stop collar 82 of stroke limiter 74 is held between features within thehollow interior of clamp body 42 that define the forward most andrearward most position of stop collar 82. These features, and thedistance between them define the length of the stroke of stroke limiter74.

Like the new placemen of release mechanism, 164, the new position ofstroke limiter 74 is improved. That is, the new location of strokelimiter 74 is convenient, comfortable, provides increased speed,provides increased ease of use and improves ergonomics. In addition,this location, in the upper approximate middle of clamp body 42 abovehandle assembly 134 and trigger 144, is intuitive to the user as it isplaced above and opposite handle assembly 134. This makes it easier forthe user to engage and disengage stroke limiter 74.

Detents in Attachment Mechanism 66 of Clamp Support 28 and AttachmentMechanism 172 of Clamp Body 42:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 attachment mechanism 66 of clamp support 28 andattachment mechanism 172 of clamp body 42 has been modified as comparedto the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 41. In this arrangement,attachment mechanism 66 of clamp support 28 and attachment mechanism 172of clamp body 42 includes a detent mechanism 264. Detent mechanism 264is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured tofacilitate the angular adjustment of handle assembly 134 relative tosupport section 26.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, detent mechanism 264 is acollar shaped member that is positioned at the forward end of the hollowinterior of clamp body 42 and is positioned around attachment mechanism66 of clamp support 28. In the arrangement shown, as one example, detentmechanism 264 has a hollow interior that fits around the lock features72 of second collar 70 of clamp support 28 and includes arms 266 thatare spring biased against and configured to engage and hold onto thelock features 72 second collar 70 of clamp support 28.

In its natural the spring bias of arms 266 engage the lock features 72of second collar 70 of clamp support 28 and hold the set position ofhandle assembly 134 relative to support section 26. However, when a userwants to change the position of handle assembly 134 relative to supportsection 26 the user simply rotates handle assembly 134 relative tosupport section 26 with force great enough to overcome the frictionbetween arms 266 of detent mechanism 264 and lock features 72 of secondcollar 70 of clamp support 28. When great enough force is applied,handle assembly 134 is allowed to rotate relative to support section 26around the axis formed by clamping rod 40.

While detent mechanism 264 allows for rotation of handle assembly 134relative to support section 26, the configuration of arms 266 and theirengagement with lock features 72 of second collar 70 of clamp support 28helps to index handle assembly 134 relative to support section 26 atpredetermined and optimum positions. These predetermined positions maybe any position. In one arrangement, these positions may be in verticalalignment (up or down, or 0° or) 180°, perpendicular alignment (+90° or−90°), at +45° or −45°, at +30° or −30°, at +60° or −60°, at +120° or−120°, or any other angle or range of angles.

This configuration is convenient for a user as the user simply has torotate handle assembly 134 relative to support section 26 to achieve thedesired angular orientation of handle assembly 134. That is, the usermay clamp a workpiece 24 with quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 byplacing their hand around handle assembly 134 and squeezing trigger 44with their fingers. Without removing their hand they can also change theangular orientation of handle assembly 134 by simply rotating theirwrist to a new and more desirable and functional position. In addition,once the user releases their hand or force, the detent mechanism 264will naturally hold the set and/or indexed position. This variation canhelp reduce repetitive use injuries and can make use of the system 10more comfortable and versatile. In this way, convenience, comfort,increased speed, increased ease of use and improved ergonomics areprovided providing detent mechanism 264. In addition, use of detentmechanism 264, by simply rotating handle assembly 134 is intuitive tothe user simply rotates handle assembly 134 when support section 26remains stationary.

Connection Member for Drill Guide Carrier 46

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 the manner in which drill guide carrier 46 connects toclamping rod 46 has been modified as compared to the arrangement shownin FIG. 1 through FIG. 41. In this arrangement, the rearward side 190 ofcenter wall 186 of drill guide carrier 46 includes an attachment member268. Attachment mechanism is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and is configured to facilitate the quick, easy, secure andremovable attachment of drill guide carrier 46 to the forward end 116 ofclamping rod 40.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, attachment mechanism 268 isformed of a collar that extends rearward from the rearward side 190 ofcenter wall 186 a distance. In the arrangement shown, as one example,attachment mechanism 268 includes an open lower end, a hollow interiorand a hole 192 therein. The open lower end of attachment mechanism 268is sized and shaped to allow the insertion of flange 270 connected tothe forward end 116 of clamping rod 40 therein. The hollow interior ofattachment mechanism 268 is sized and shaped to receive and hold flange270 connected to the forward end 116 of clamping rod 40 therein. Hole192 of attachment mechanism 268 is sized and shaped to allow theinsertion of clamping rod 40 therein. Hole 192 also has features thereinthat are configured to friction-fit and hold onto clamping rod 40 whenclamping rod 40 is inserted into hole 192.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, attachment mechanism 268 isconfigured to allow drill guide carrier 46 to be forced downward uponthe forward end 116 of clamping rod 40 thereby securely attaching drillguide carrier 46 to clamping rod 40 in a frictional and locking manner.In this arrangement, sufficient force must be applied to overcome thefriction-fit or engagement between attachment member 268 and clampingrod 40 and/or flange 270. Once installed, however, drill guide carrier46 remains securely connected to clamping rod 40 during use. That is,until sufficient force is applied to remove drill guide carrier 46 fromclamping rod 40.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, attachment mechanism 268 isconfigured to allow drill guide carrier 46 to be removed from theforward end 116 of clamping rod 40 thereby detaching drill guide carrier46 from clamping rod 40 to allow for the installation of otheraccessories or tools or the like. In this arrangement, sufficient forcemust be applied to overcome the friction between attachment member 268and clamping rod 40 and/or flange 270 to remove drill guide carrier 46.This is accomplished by applying sufficient separation force, or anupward force on drill guide carrier. Once removed, any other tool,accessory or device may be re-installed using the same installationtechnique. This provides versatility to system 10.

Exit Holes 272 in Drill Guide Assembly 48 and Exit Holes 274 in DrillGuide Carrier 46:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 drill guide assembly 48 and drill guide carrier 46 havebeen modified as compared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 throughFIG. 41 to facilitate the removal of woodchips and other debrisgenerated during drilling.

In this arrangement, the rearward wall 232 of drill guide assembly 48includes exit holes 272 that connect to the bore of drill guides 240. Inthis arrangement, the rearward side 190 of center wall 186 of drillguide carrier 46 includes exit holes 274 that overlap with the exitholes 272 in drill guide assembly 48 thereby allowing woodchips andother debris generated during drilling to exit the drill guide assembly48 and drill guide carrier 46 thereby making drilling easier andimproving the quality of the pocket holes that are formed by the system10.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, at least one exit hole 272 isassociated with each drill guide 240 of drill guide assembly 48. In thearrangement shown, as one example, each drill guide 240 of drill guideassembly 48 includes a single exit hole 272 in the rearward wall 232 ofdrill guide assembly 48. In the arrangement shown, as one example, exitholes 272 are generally square or rectangular in shape, however anyother shape is hereby contemplated for use. In the arrangement shown, asone example, exit holes 272 are positioned in rearward wall 232 oppositewhere the bores of drill guides 240 exit forward face 230. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the forward end of exit holes 272connect to the bores of drill guides 240 and extend rearward therefrombefore connecting with the rearward wall 232 thereby providing an exitpath from the bore of drill guides 240 through drill guide assembly 48.In the arrangement shown, as one example, exit holes 272 are positionedapproximately in the middle of the area where the bores of drill guides240 exit forward face 230.

Drill guide assembly 48 is configured to be received within drill guidecarrier 46. As such, in the arrangement shown, as one example, drillguide carrier 46 includes at least one exit hole 274 associated witheach exit hole 272/drill guide 240 of drill guide assembly 48. In thearrangement shown, the exit holes 274 of drill guide carrier 46 arepositioned in overlapping condition with the exit holes 272 of drillguide assembly 48 when drill guide assembly 48 is installed into drillguide carrier 46. In the arrangement shown, as one example, exit holes274 extend through center wall 186 of drill guide carrier 46 fromforward side 194 to rearward side 190.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, drill guide assembly 48 isconfigured to move vertically within drill guide carrier 46 so as toadjust to varying workpiece thickness. To accommodate this movableposition of drill guide assembly 48 relative to drill guide carrier 46,a pair of exit holes 274 are vertically stacked with respect to oneanother for each drill guide 240. Or, said another way, a structuralmember extends across vertically stacked exit holes 274. The presence ofthis structural member or separation provides additional strength andrigidity and durability to drill guide carrier 46. Sufficient strengthfor drill guide carrier 46 is needed due to the clamping pressures drillguide carrier 46 is placed under during clamping. The separation ofvertically stacked exit holes 274 improves strength of drill guidecarrier 46.

Any number of exit holes 274 are hereby contemplated for use such astwo, three, four, five or more. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, exit holes 274 are generally square or rectangular in shape,however any other shape is hereby contemplated for use. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the lower-positioned exit holes 274are generally vertically elongated and cover or align with the lowerpositions of drill guide assembly 48 relative to drill guide carrier 46,which in arrangement shown corresponds to workpiece thickness of ½ inchand ¾ inch, as one example. That is, when drill guide assembly 46 is ina lower position, the exit holes 274 of drill guide carrier 46 alignwith or cover the exit holes 272 in drill guide carrier 48 therebyallowing the efficient removal of woodchips and other debris generatedduring drilling. These lower-positioned exit holes 274 are positionedbelow the connection point of clamping rod 40 to drill guide carrier 46at attachment mechanism 268, which is the point at which pressure isapplied to the drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48. Assuch structural strength and rigidity and durability is needed at thispoint of pressure.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the upper-positioned exitholes 274 are generally vertically narrower than the lower-positionedexit holes 274 and cover the upper position of drill guide assembly 48relative to drill guide carrier 46, which in arrangement showncorresponds to workpiece thickness of 1½ inch, as one example. That is,when drill guide assembly 46 is in an upper position, the exit holes 274of drill guide carrier 46 align with or cover the exit holes 272 indrill guide carrier 48 thereby allowing the efficient removal ofwoodchips and other debris generated during drilling. Theseupper-positioned exit holes 274 are positioned below the connectionpoint of clamping rod 40 to drill guide carrier 46 at attachmentmechanism 268, which is the point at which pressure is applied to thedrill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly 48. As such structuralstrength and rigidity and durability is needed at this point ofpressure.

In this way, the configuration of exit holes 272 in drill guide assembly48 along with the exit holes 274 in drill guide carrier 46 allow for theefficient removal of woodchips and other debris generated duringdrilling to exit the drill guide assembly 48 and then pass through theoverlapping drill guide carrier 46. This arrangement also allows for thevertical movement of drill guide assembly 48 relative to drill guidecarrier 46. This arrangement also allows for the lateral or horizontalmovement of the joined drill guide carrier 46 and drill guide assembly48 as clamp assembly 38 is operated.

Lock Mechanism 206 and Lock Feature 208:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 drill guide assembly 48 and drill guide carrier 46 havebeen modified as compared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 throughFIG. 41 to move the orientation and configuration of lock mechanism 206,lock feature 208 and lock feature 238. That is, in the arrangementshown, as one example, drill guide assembly 48 includes lock mechanism206 therein, which includes lock feature 208; whereas drill guidecarrier 46 includes lock features 238 therein.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, lock mechanism 206 is formedof a spring loaded button positioned in the outward sides 228 of drillguide assembly 48. In the arrangement shown, as one example, a lockmechanism 206 is positioned in each of the outward sides 228 of drillguide assembly 48 at about the midpoint of the drill guide assembly 48.In the arrangement shown, as one example, lock mechanism 206 is agenerally square or rectangular button that is spring loaded or has aspring bias forcing the button outward. As such, the lock mechanism 206may be depressed by pressing the outward side of lock mechanism 206inward thereby providing clearance to allow the position of drill guideassembly 48 to be adjusted relative to drill guide carrier 46. In thearrangement shown, as one example, the outward side of the button oflock mechanism 206 includes ridges or other friction imparting membersthat enhance grip for a user.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, lock feature 208 is aprotrusion that extends outward from the rearward side of lock mechanism206. In the arrangement shown, as one example, lock feature 208 isconfigured to engage and be received by lock feature 238 in the sidewall188 of drill guide carrier 46. In the arrangement shown, as one example,lock features 238 in the sidewall 188 of drill guide carrier 46 areformed of a plurality of spaced features, such as grooves, notches,slots or openings that are sized and shaped to receive lock mechanism206 therein in locking engagement. The spacing of lock features 238correspond with common workpiece thickness. In the arrangement shown, asone example, the spacing of lock features 238 corresponds with workpiecethickness of ½ inch, ¾ inch and 1½ inch workpieces 24. However any othernumber of lock features 238 are hereby contemplated for use as is anyspacing.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, to install drill guideassembly 48 within drill guide carrier 46, the lower end of drill guideassembly 48 is aligned with the lower end of drill guide carrier 46 suchthat the mating features aligned with one another to ensure properorientation, that is the forward end of drill guide assembly 48 anddrill guide carrier 46 face forward, and the rearward ends of drillguide assembly 48 and drill guide carrier 46 face rearward. Onceproperly aligned in this manner, the user lowers the lower end of drillguide assembly 48 into the hollow interior 198 of drill guide assembly46.

The user also depresses, or presses the lock mechanisms 206 in theopposing sides 228 of drill guide assembly 48 inward thereby providingclearance between lock features 208 of drill guide assembly 48 and lockfeatures 238 of drill guide carrier 46. This allows the drill guideassembly 48 to be fully lowered into the hollow interior 198 of drillguide carrier 46. To select the desired position of drill guide assembly48 relative to drill guide carrier 46, the user identifies the workpiecethickness and aligns the lock feature 208 of drill guide assembly 48with the appropriate lock feature 238 in drill guide carrier 46. Oncealigned in this manner, the user releases the inward pressure upon lockmechanisms 206 and the natural spring bias forces the outward side oflock mechanisms 206 outward thereby forcing the protrusion of lockfeature 208 of drill guide assembly 48 within the recess of lock feature238 of drill guide carrier 46 thereby locking the two componentstogether.

In this locked arrangement, the exit holes 272 of drill guide assembly48 are aligned with the exit holes of drill guide carrier 46 in the backsides of the two components thereby allowing woodchips and debrisgenerated during drilling to exit the drill guide assembly 48 and drillguide carrier 46 during drilling.

To adjust the position of drill guide assembly 48 relative to drillguide carrier 46 the user simply presses the lock mechanisms 206 ofdrill guide assembly 48 inward, thereby withdrawing the lock features208 of drill guide assembly 48 from the lock features 238 of drill guideassembly 46. Once in this unlocked condition, the user may move thedrill guide assembly 48 upward or downward until the desired position isachieved.

Any other configuration is hereby contemplated for use as lock mechanism206, lock feature 208 and lock feature 238.

Clamp Recess 276 in Support Section 26:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 42through FIG. 75 quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 has been modifiedas compared to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 41 toinclude a clamp recess 276. Clamp recess 276 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design and is configured to receive a portion of a clamp278 therein so as to facilitate clamping of quick grip pocket hole jigsystem 10 to a work surface 144. In the arrangement shown, as oneexample, clamp recess 276 is a t-shaped slot in rearward side of clampsupport 28 adjacent its lower end that extends forward a distance. Thisclamp recess 276 is configured to receive an arm of clamp 278 therebyallowing jig system 10 to be clamped to work surface 144 in aconvenient, easy, simple, safe and secure manner. Further informationregarding clamp recess 276 is more fully presented in Applicants U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/950,189 filed Dec. 19, 2019,entitled: “DOCKING STATION SYSTEM” which is fully incorporated byreference herein.

Any other configuration is hereby contemplated for use as 1 clamp recess276.

Docking Station 280:

In the arrangement shown, as one example, with reference to FIG. 74,quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 may be used with docking station280. Docking station 280 provides additional features and capabilitiesthat are useful with quick grip pocket hole jig system 10, such as sidesupports, storage, stop features, among other features. Oneconfiguration of docking station 280 is more fully presented inApplicants U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/950,189 filed Dec.19, 2019, entitled: “DOCKING STATION SYSTEM” which is fully incorporatedby reference herein. In the arrangement shown, as one example, dockingstation system 208 and quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 connecttogether in a convenient, easy, simple, safe and secure manner throughthe engagement of mating locking features.

Configurations:

As is shown and described, a quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 ispresented herein that includes a drill guide carrier 46 that receives adrill guide assembly 48 therein, wherein the drill guide carrier 46includes exit holes 274, wherein the drill guide assembly 48 includesexit holes 272, wherein when the drill guide assembly 48 is held withinthe drill guide carrier 46 the exit holes 272 of the drill guideassembly 48 align with the exit holes 274 of the drill guide carrier 46,wherein the drill guide assembly 48 is vertically adjustable relative tothe drill guide carrier 46, wherein the drill guide carrier 46 islaterally movable to facilitate clamping.

As is also shown and described, a quick grip pocket hole jig system 10is presented herein that includes a drill guide carrier 46 that receivesa drill guide assembly 48 therein, wherein the drill guide carrier 46includes a first set of exit holes 274 for a first workpiece thicknessand a second set of exit holes 274 for a second workpiece thickness,wherein the drill guide assembly 48 includes a first exit holes 272,wherein when the drill guide assembly 48 is held within the drill guidecarrier 46 the exit holes 272 of the drill guide assembly 48 align withthe first set of exit holes 274 of the drill guide carrier 46 fordrilling a workpiece having a first thickness, and wherein when thedrill guide assembly 48 is held within the drill guide carrier 46 theexit holes 272 of the drill guide assembly 48 align with the second setof exit holes 274 of the drill guide carrier 46 for drilling a workpiecehaving a second thickness, wherein the drill guide assembly 48 isvertically adjustable relative to the drill guide carrier 46, whereinthe drill guide carrier 46 is laterally movable to facilitate clamping.

In view of the above the quick grip pocket hole jig system 10 presentedherein improves upon the state of the art among countless otherimprovements and advantages.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It isintended that this invention be limited only by the following claims,and the full scope of equivalents thereof

What is claimed:
 1. A pocket hole jig system, comprising; a clampsupport; the clamp support having a forward side and a rearward side; aclamping rod; a drill guide assembly; a clamp body; wherein the clampingrod extends through the clamp support; wherein the drill guide assemblyis operatively connected to the clamping rod on the forward side of theclamp support; wherein the clamp body is operatively connected to theclamping rod on the rearward side of the clamp support; wherein theclamp body is configured to rotate with respect to the clamp support;wherein the clamp body is configured to urge the drill guide assemblyforward so as to facilitate clamping of a workpiece and drilling of apocket hole in the workpiece.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thedrill guide assembly is advanced by grasping the clamp body andsqueezing.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the clamp body rotatesaround an axis that extends through an approximate center of theclamping rod.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an end stopconnected to the clamp support and a back stop connected to the endstop.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an end stop connectedto the clamp support and a work surface connected to the end stop. 6.The system of claim 1, further comprising a drill guide carrierconnected to a forward end of the clamping rod, and wherein the drillguide assembly is operatively connected to the drill guide carrier. 7.The system of claim 1, further comprising a drill guide carrierconnected to a forward end of the clamping rod, and wherein the drillguide assembly is operatively connected to the drill guide carrier andwherein the drill guide assembly is adjustable with respect to the drillguide carrier.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the clamp body is aquick grip clamp.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the clamp bodyincludes a trigger operatively connected to the clamp body, wherein whenthe trigger is pulled toward the clamp body the drill guide assembly isadvanced forward and away from the forward side of the clamp support.10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stroke limiteroperatively connected to the clamp support and the clamping rod.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a stroke limiter operativelyconnected to the clamp support and the clamping rod, the stroke limiterincluding a stop collar connected to the clamping rod, wherein the stopcollar is positioned within a void in the clamp support.
 12. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a stroke limiter operatively connected tothe clamping rod, wherein the stroke limiter is configured to limit thedistance that the drill guide assembly will return when the clamping rodis released.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a returnspring, wherein the return spring is positioned around the clamping rodand is positioned between a rearward end of the clamping rod and arearward end of the clamp body.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein aforward end of the clamp body includes a plurality of features that meshwith a plurality of features in a rearward side of the clamp support,wherein when the features of the of the clamp body mesh with thefeatures of the clamp support the clamp body is positioned atpredetermined angular positions relative the clamp support.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the drill guide assembly includes at leastone drill guide having a bore that extends through a forward surface ofthe drill guide assembly at an angle.
 16. A pocket hole jig system,comprising; a clamp support; the clamp support having a forward side anda rearward side; a drill guide assembly; a clamp body; wherein the drillguide assembly includes at least one drill guide having a bore thatextends through a forward surface of the drill guide assembly at anangle; wherein the clamp body is configured to rotate with respect tothe clamp support and drill guide assembly; wherein the clamp body isconfigured to urge the drill guide assembly forward so as to facilitateclamping of a workpiece and drilling of a pocket hole in the workpiece.17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a clamping rodoperatively connected to the clamp support, the drill guide assembly andthe clamp body.
 18. The system of claim 16, further comprising aclamping rod operatively connected to the clamp support, the drill guideassembly and the clamp body; wherein the clamp body rotates around anaxis that extends through an approximate center of the clamping rod. 19.The system of claim 16, further comprising an end stop connected to theclamp support and a back stop connected to the end stop.
 20. The systemof claim 16, further comprising an end stop connected to the clampsupport and a work surface connected to the end stop.
 21. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising a drill guide carrier connected to aforward end of a clamping rod, and wherein the drill guide assembly isoperatively connected to the drill guide carrier.
 22. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising a drill guide carrier connected to aforward end of a clamping rod, and wherein the drill guide assembly isoperatively connected to the drill guide carrier and wherein the drillguide assembly is adjustable with respect to the drill guide carrier.23. The system of claim 16, wherein the clamp body is a quick gripclamp.
 24. The system of claim 16, wherein the clamp body includes atrigger operatively connected to the clamp body, wherein when thetrigger is pulled toward the clamp body the drill guide assembly isadvanced forward and away from the forward side of the clamp support.25. The system of claim 16, wherein a forward end of the clamp bodyincludes a plurality of features that mesh with a plurality of featuresin a rearward side of the clamp support, wherein when the features ofthe of the clamp body mesh with the features of the clamp support theclamp body is positioned at predetermined angular positions relative theclamp support.
 26. A pocket hole jig system, comprising; a clampsupport; the clamp support having a forward side and a rearward side; aclamping rod; a drill guide assembly; a clamp body; the clamp bodyhaving a trigger; wherein when the trigger is pulled the drill guideassembly is advanced forward so as to facilitate clamping of a workpieceand drilling of a pocket hole in the workpiece; wherein the clamp bodyrotates around an axis that extends through an approximate center of theclamping rod.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the clamping rodextends through the clamp support, wherein the drill guide assembly isoperatively connected to the clamping rod on the forward side of theclamp support, wherein the clamp body is operatively connected to theclamping rod on the rearward side of the clamp support, wherein when thetrigger is pulled, the drill guide assembly is advanced forward and awayfrom the forward side of the clamp support.
 28. The system of claim 26,wherein the clamp body forms a handle that extends approximatelyperpendicularly to a length of the clamping rod.
 29. The system of claim26, further comprising an end stop connected to the clamp support and aback stop connected to the end stop.
 30. The system of claim 26, furthercomprising an end stop connected to the clamp support and a work surfaceconnected to the end stop.
 31. The system of claim 26, furthercomprising a drill guide carrier connected to a forward end of theclamping rod, and wherein the drill guide assembly is operativelyconnected to the drill guide carrier.
 32. The system of claim 26,further comprising a drill guide carrier connected to a forward end ofthe clamping rod, and wherein the drill guide assembly is operativelyconnected to the drill guide carrier and wherein the drill guideassembly is adjustable with respect to the drill guide carrier.
 33. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the clamp body is a quick grip clamp. 34.The system of claim 26, further comprising a stroke limiter operativelyconnected to the clamp support and the clamping rod.
 35. The system ofclaim 26, further comprising a stroke limiter operatively connected tothe clamp support and the clamping rod, the stroke limiter including astop collar connected to the clamping rod, wherein the stop collar ispositioned within a void in the clamp support.
 36. The system of claim26, further comprising a stroke limiter operatively connected to theclamp support and the clamping rod, wherein the stroke limiter isconfigured to limit the distance that the drill guide assembly willreturn when the clamp body is released.
 37. The system of claim 26,further comprising a return spring, wherein the return spring ispositioned around the clamping rod and is positioned between a rearwardend of the clamping rod and a rearward end of the clamp body.
 38. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein a forward end of the clamp body includes aplurality of features that mesh with a plurality of features in arearward side of the clamp support, wherein when the features of the ofthe clamp body mesh with the features of the clamp support the clampbody is positioned at predetermined angular positions relative the clampsupport.
 39. The system of claim 26, wherein the drill guide assemblyincludes at least one drill guide having a bore that extends through aforward surface of the drill guide assembly at an angle.
 40. A pockethole jig system, comprising; a clamp support; the clamp support having aforward side and a rearward side; a clamping rod; a drill guideassembly; a clamp body; the clamp body having a trigger; wherein whenthe trigger is pulled the drill guide assembly is advanced forward so asto facilitate clamping of a workpiece and drilling of a pocket hole inthe workpiece; wherein the clamp body is configured to rotate withrespect to the clamp support and drill guide assembly.